Zelensky Asks Americans for Help, Fighter Jets, in an Interview

KYIV, TGO: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday repeated his plea for the U.S. and other countries to clear the way for Soviet-era fighter aircraft to supplement his military, and to enforce a no-fly zone over his country, while expressing confidence in President Biden’s ability to do so.

The U.S. is pursuing ways to address Ukraine’s request for combat jets and to replenish Poland’s arsenal should it hand over Soviet-era planes to its besieged neighbor.

In an interview, Mr. Zelensky told a news agency via a government interpreter that his country lacks air supremacy, noting the bombardment of civilian infrastructure with Russian missiles. He said he had shared this view with Mr. Biden during a call on Monday.

While Mr. Biden and other leaders have said that creating a no-fly zone would require allies to shoot Russian planes, Mr. Zelensky focused on the need to shoot down Russian missiles that he said are striking civilian infrastructure.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization has rejected requests for a no-fly zone, saying it would risk war with Russia, an outcome that Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened if any NATO members enter the conflict.

He suggested the question of whether Mr. Putin is deliberately targeting civilians is irrelevant: “Why would I care? The result is the same.”

Russia wouldn’t stop at Ukraine, he warned, but would continue to threaten other democratic countries.

“We are a place in Europe, a place of freedom, a zone of freedom,” he said. “When the limits of rights and freedoms are being violated and stepped on, then you have to protect us. Because we will come first, you will come second.”

He confirmed news reports that he had been offered safe passage out of the country if the situation further deteriorated but said he would remain, noting that he is the democratically elected leader of Ukraine.

“I’m sure the Ukrainians are prepared to stand against Russia for their entire lives,” he said, noting the civilians who have fought back against Russian forces.

“We will endure, and even if they come into all our cities, there will be insurgency, insurgent war,” he said. “No one will give away our independence.”

Finally, Mr. Zelensky addressed the American public in English, saying that while Americans speak often of freedom, the example of Ukrainians resisting the Russian invasion has demonstrated the meaning of freedom.

“We are not far from you,” he said. “If you see, and if you understand how we feel how we fight against all the enemies for our freedom, support us.”